NASHVILLE, TN – The USDA has launched the first stage of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), releasing $16 billion to assist producers affected by crop losses in 2023 and 2024. Stage 1 applies to producers with indemnified losses on covered crops, trees, and vines, and features a simplified, pre-filled application process through FSA offices.
Payments are currently subject to a 90% cap and 35% payment factor. If funds remain, USDA may initiate a second round of payments. That round would expand eligibility to cover shallow losses and quality-related issues not addressed in Stage 1. USDA encourages affected producers to review the SDRP Fact Sheet and check county eligibility.
Several national commodity groups, including the National Sorghum Producers, have praised USDA’s quick response. This disaster relief is aimed at filling gaps left by traditional crop insurance and ad hoc disaster programs, with the goal of getting funds into producers’ hands more quickly.